Discover Namibia on a Self-Drive Journey

Namibia is one of the most charming destinations to visit in Southern Africa. The country has a bit of everything, from fascinating wildlife and diverse landscapes to friendly and welcoming locals. As one of the least-densely-populated countries in the world, Namibia is the perfect place to view some of Africa’s best wildlife. The country is excellent for an independent tour as it is easy to navigate and English is the official language, eliminating the language barrier between the traveller and locals. A Namibian self-drive tour is definitely an adventure of a lifetime, and our 16 Day Self-Drive Namibia Journey features the very best of the country, including extraordinary views, excellent wildlife and stellar accommodation. Starting and ending off at Olive Grove Guest House in Windhoek, this self-drive adventure visits a range of brilliant destinations and accommodations for the complete Namibian experience.

Olive Grove Guest House

Olive Grove Guest House is your first stop on the journey. The contemporary and stylish accommodation is set close to the Windhoek city centre in an affluent and tranquil area. The 11 en-suite rooms are rustic and have a distinct Moroccan theme with Moroccan lampshades set on the antique bedside tables. The bare cement walls contrasted with the soft off-white linen bedspread, the wrought-iron furniture, the minimalist set-up of the room and the expansive veranda provides a luxury and unique getaway for guests. Don’t despair at just one night at Olive Grove – you will be back at the end of the tour to enjoy your last few hours in Namibia in absolute luxury.

Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge

Days 2-4 will see you travel to the small and friendly city of Mariental, about two-and-a-half hours from Windhoek. The drive is wonderfully scenic as the city fades away to endless kilometres of desert land. You will enjoy premier safari lodging at Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge which is set on a private nature reserve. The reserve is made up of two deserts – the Kalahari and the Great Karoo – and promises plenty of excellent photo opportunities. Guests can experience thrilling activities such as a Trans Kalahari Walk, game drives, sundowners, hikes and mountain biking. All 12 luxury chalets overlook a dry lake known as a ‘vlei’ and are connected to the main lodge by a wooden walkway. The main lodge features a swimming pool, a restaurant, bar and lounge as well as a viewing deck.

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

You will leave Mariental with a taste of safari adventure and ready to take on the vast Namibian roads again. The road will take you to the NamibRand Nature Reserve, approximately a three-hour drive from Mariental, where days 5-8 will be enjoyed. Guests will be accommodated in &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, a secluded lodge, perfect to escape to for a few days. The lodge is set deep in the Namib Desert, with magnificent views of tall sand dunes, dramatic outcrops and the endless horizon. The lodge itself uses natural elements to achieve a rustic look that blends perfectly into the desert surrounds. The desert becomes the perfect hideaway with the lodge offering a walk-in wine cellar, lantern-lit dinners, a pool filled with fresh water from an underwater spring, and at night, the stars put on a show in the navy blue sky, all seen in perfection from the observatory.

Erongo Wilderness Lodge

You won’t be blamed for not wanting to leave the luxurious Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, but your next destination will promise to be just as thrilling. The Erongo Mountains is a volcanic mountain range just north of Karibib and Usakos. The mountains are most famous for the peak which rises 2,320 metres above sea level, as well as its fascinating caves and rock paintings. Guests will be lodging for one night at Erongo Wilderness Lodge, set in a special area that is surrounded by the mountain range. The 10 luxury chalets are raised on wooden platforms with the rooms covered in canvas and leading out to a deck. All chalets are connected to the main lodge which features a restaurant overlooking a waterhole, an open-plan lounge, swimming pool, and a deck where evening drinks can be enjoyed.

Etendeka Mountain Camp

After cruising down a Namibian road for about four hours, passing exceptional scenery and long winding desert roads, you will arrive at Etendeka Mountain Camp for days 10-11. The camp is situated near the edge of the Namib Desert, right on the foothills of the Grootberg Massif. The area is dense with wildlife that can be seen roaming the plains from the comfort of the camp. Comprised of ten Meru-styled tents that are eco-friendly, Etendeka promises a rustic yet comfortable safari experience. Guests can enjoy game viewing, scenic walks, self-guided walks, guided morning walks and star-gazing.

Onguma Tented Camp

The last leg of your Namibian journey will be the longest drive, but so worth it! Your safari adventure will continue at Onguma Game Reserve, about six hours from Etendeka. Guests will spend days 12-14 at the marvellous Onguma Tented Camp, a classic safari getaway. In local Herero dialect the name Onguma means “a place you don’t want to leave”, and this rings so true. The camp is beautifully set out, comprising of seven tents and a main building. Its ideal location near a waterhole ensures excellent wildlife viewing opportunities right from the camp. Guests can enjoy the fine facilities while relaxing on a couch in the lounge, on the patio, or by the pool. Safari activities include game drives, sunset drives and interpretative bush walks. Relax and enjoy the last bit of a memorable holiday at Onguma Tented Camp. Regrettably, the lodge is not suitable for children under 12.

Your self-drive Namibia journey ends at the very place it started – Olive Grove Guest House in Windhoek. Here, guests are able to unwind and get a good night’s rest before departing for home the next day.

This 16-Day Self-Drive Namibia Journey is teeming with adventure to satisfy the wildest explorer. For more information on this wonderful tour, including add-ons, full price, inclusions and exclusions, click here to view the full package. Note that this entire itinerary is completely customisable, and lodges and destinations can be tailored to accommodate your needs!

Aaminah Ismail is a web content writer for East Cape Tours. She obtained her BA Hons: Media Studies at Nelson Mandela University and is currently pursuing an MA in Media Research. She enjoys reading classic literature, creative writing and spending time with her dog, a German Shepherd named Bella.